Washington, D.C. – The United States, along with its allies, carried out a series of strikes on the militant group Houthis in Yemen amidst escalating tensions in the region.
The coalition, which included countries like the U.K., Australia, and Canada, targeted 18 locations related to the Houthis’ military capabilities, such as underground weapons storage facilities and air defense systems. These precision strikes were aimed at disrupting the group’s ability to threaten global trade and naval vessels in the Red Sea.
According to a joint statement from the participating countries, the Houthis’ repeated attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the region have not only posed a threat to the global economy but also to regional security and stability. The international response was deemed necessary to address this ongoing issue.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the consequences that the Houthis would face if they continued their illegal attacks, highlighting the detrimental impact on Middle Eastern economies, environmental damage, and disruptions to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries.
The conflict between the Houthis and the U.S.-led coalition has roots in the Israel-Hamas war, with the Houthis claiming their attacks are in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. The U.S. has maintained its stance on preventing the conflict from spreading further in the region through its targeted strikes in Yemen.
General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed the importance of a measured approach in dealing with the situation, emphasizing the need to consider both partner force protection and the capability to neutralize threats without escalating tensions further. The effectiveness of the airstrikes on the Houthis’ operations remains a focal point of the U.S. strategy.